Bald Move Prestige - Zulu (1964)

Special thanks to Glenn Seubert for commissioning this podcast on the 1964 British film “Zulu”. Directed by Cy Endfield and starring Stanley Baker and a very young Michael Caine, it depicts a fictionalized version of a real life stand off between 100 British soldiers and 4,000 Zulu warriors in the battle for South Africa. The film is gorgeous in it’s look and especially color palette, and the lead performances by Baker and Caine are interesting as two soldiers vying for power and making tough decisions under an extremely daunting challenge. We both cry out for more cultural and historical context for this film, and while Jim had problems with some aspects of the film being dated, I enjoyed it for the throw back to a classic age of cinema that it is.

Bald Move Prestige - The Man from Earth (2007)

Thanks go to Dan G, perhaps better known as the forum denizen DancesWithWookies, has selected the 2007 minimalist sci-fi/philosophic film “The Man from Earth” for his commissioned podcast. Directed by Richard Schenkman and written by the late Jerome Bixby, it asks us to entertain the idea of a 14,000 year old paleolithic man who has managed to adapt and survive to our modern day. His winding tale through history may intrigue or infuriate you, depending on your appetite for detail or willingness to engage with the ideas and concepts of the film, and move beyond the limitations of it’s budget and construction

Bald Move Prestige - Once Were Warriors (1994)

Jude from New Zealand shows some homeland pride by selecting the incendiary Kiwi film from 1994, “Once Were Warriors”, for her commissioned podcast pick. Directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen, it features a soul destroying portrait of life for a Maori family living in the slums of Auckland. The picture pulls no punches, and yet manages to be thought provoking, sympathetic, and even uplifting and hopeful, assuming you calibrate your definition of “uplifting” and “hopeful” to David “The Wire” Simon settings. We simply are blown away by the performances of everyone in this film, particularly Morrison who plays the extremely charismatic, extremely violent Jake “the Muss”, and are intrigued by the examination of domestic violence, crime, and racial issues as seen through the very distinct lens of New Zealand.

Bald Move Prestige - An American Werewolf in London (1981)

This podcast was commissioned as a wedding gift from David Faggiani to his little brother Matt, to celebrate their life-long love affair with the 1981 John Landis horror/comedy “American Werewolf in London”. We discuss the awesome practical effects of the movie, the fine line between comedy and absurdity the film walks, the English countryside, and much more.

Bald Move Prestige - Cowspiracy (2014)

Special thanks to Adele McDonough who commissioned a podcast on the 2014 documentary film “Cowspiracy”, available on Netflix and most other streaming services. Produced and directed by Kip Anderson, it alleges a vast conspiracy among big business, politicians, and even environmental special interests groups to bury the severe negative impact the consumption of meat has on our global climate and water supply. Jim and A.Ron check the facts and try to answer some tough moral and ethical questions as we debate the facts, figures, and philosophy of where individual rights and personal choices come into conflict with the greater good and our duties to posterity.

Bald Move Prestige - Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Mr. Justin “Hatorian” K. won a Bald Move fantasy football league, and this was his reward; the selection of the modern classic war movie, “Saving Private Ryan”. Directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring every man in Hollywood (Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Vin Diesel, Bryan Cranston, NATHAN FILLION, Paul Giamatti, among others), it’s a pitiless look into the hell that is war. It is also moving, heroic, complex tale of brotherhood, bravery, cowardice, and loss. It’s a powerful film that you really must see before partaking of the podcast, but if you’ve already stormed the beaches of Normandy with Capt. Miller and company, please enjoy the podcast.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Special thanks to Judd Blevins, who as a Marine has a special place in his heart for Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and thus pulled the metaphoric trigger on this commission. A tale of two movies if there ever was one, and featuring what A.Ron describes as a very “un-Kubrickian” structure and asthetic, they guys talk about life in the military, ethics and morality in times of war, season two of Serial Podcast, and probably ill-informed commentary on geopolitics.

Bald Move Prestige - Hail, Caesar! (2016)

We’ve seen the latest Coen brother’s film, “Hail, Caesar!”, and it’s really… something. Funny, but not hilarious, interesting but ultimately meaningless… or is it? A crazy stew of singing and dancing and politics and religion and featuring more star power than the Milky Way, like most Coen films it will probably reward multiple views. Check out our spoiler free mini-review, and if you’re a Club member, stick around for a spoiler filled in depth discussion.

Bald Move Prestige - The Shining (1980)

Jim and A.Ron check into the Overlook Hotel as we are compelled to podcast on the 1980 Stanley Kubrick psychological-horror masterpiece, “The Shining”. Starring Jack Nicholson and Shelly Duvall, it’s an incredible combination of beautifully crafted shots, stunning and terrifying visuals and imagery, and Jack Nicholson’s fully insane acting. There is so much to discuss; the film itself, our reactions, Stephen King’s antagonism towards the film, the various theories and documentaries the film has spawned, subliminal messages and hidden meanings, and fine naked ladies with implausible afros. All this and more is discussed, and we felt like we hardly scratched the surface.

A Prophet (2009)

Special thanks to Frank Cantelmi for pulling the metaphoric trigger to commission a podcast on “A Prophet”, a 2009 French film and Academy Award nominee directed by Jacques Audiard. An intense, beautiful, absorbing look in how a hapless youth is pulled ever deeper into a world of violent crime, Jim and A.Ron compare it favorably to The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Scarface. Yes, really. Thanks again, Frank!